Burglary suspects arrested today from left, Gunner Stacy, Samantha Lopez and Nehemiah Hillhouse. Courtesy/LAPD
LAPD News:
At approximately 3:30 a.m. today, Feb. 17, officers with the Los Alamos Police Department responded to reports of two men returning to the J&L Storage facility in connection with a series of recent storage unit burglaries.
Responding officers observed two men fleeing the area on foot. Officers immediately established a perimeter and requested additional resources, including the department’s K-9 unit, to assist in locating and apprehending the suspects.
During the perimeter operation, officers observed a red sedan circling the area for an extended period in a manner that drew attention. A traffic stop was conducted. The driver was identified as Samantha Lopez. Based on the investigation at the scene, Lopez was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit burglary.
After daybreak, and with assistance from a K-9 unit from the Pojoaque Police Department, officers located two additional suspects hiding in dense brush near the south canyon area adjacent to the Smith’s Food and Drug parking lot. Gunner Stacy and Nehemiah Hillhouse were taken into custody without incident.
Stacy and Hillhouse were charged with fleeing, criminal damage to property, four counts of burglary, and four counts of possession of burglary tools. Stacy was also charged with possession of fentanyl.
At this time, investigators believe these arrests are connected to multiple recent storage unit burglaries in the area. This remains an active investigation. Additional charges may be filed as the case is reviewed in coordination with the prosecutor’s office.
“This incident demonstrates the coordinated efforts of our patrol officers and regional law enforcement partners,” Cmdr. Chris Ross said. “The effective use of perimeter containment and K-9 resources contributed to the safe apprehension of all involved. We believe these arrests have made our community safer.”
Anyone with additional information related to recent storage unit burglaries is encouraged to contact the Los Alamos Police Department at 505.662.8222.
“The Los Alamos Police Department remains committed to protecting property, holding offenders accountable, and keeping our community informed as confirmed information becomes available.” –LAPD